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elessargr , 08-30-2026, 08:29 AM

Hello all,
I have been working on a personal project which includes a USB3.0 HUB controller. Currently I use the TUSB8020B which works great.

I am trying to find online, anywhere, the datasheets for the ICs that VLI offers though I haven't been able to locate any.

- VL210 https://www.via-labs.com/product_show.php?id=56
- VL211 https://www.via-labs.com/product_show.php?id=90
- VL817 https://www.via-labs.com/product_show.php?id=83
- VL818 https://www.via-labs.com/product_show.php?id=138

The reason for that is to see if I can bring down the price of the materials for my project.
Any idea where those can be found?

Appreciate the help!

, 08-30-2026, 08:33 AM

🤖 In the meantime, here’s a response from the [FEDEVEL AI HW Assistant]().
It helps to find relevant resources for your question, but it may make mistakes as it’s still in early development.

This is the response from the AI Assistant:
The videos in the knowledge base don't specifically address accessing VIA Labs Inc (VLI) datasheets. However, there's relevant insight from a hardware designer's experience with proprietary components:

Source 6 ([video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pKD4kBWA5cw&t=1469)) shows a designer reverse-engineering registers for a display controller when only partial documentation was available. For VLI chips:

1. **Direct manufacturer contact** is typically required for full datasheets - many USB 3.0 hub controllers are considered "black box" solutions where VLI provides SDKs/design support only to approved partners

2. Check **reference designs** using these chips (e.g., existing hub products) for indirect technical details

3. Search GitHub/OpenHardware projects like [IMX6REX](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y2VU90HSFZE&t=682) that might have reverse-engineered implementations

4. Consider alternative publicly-documented controllers like Microchip's USB2642 if cost optimization requires full transparency

The videos confirm this is a common challenge - some IC vendors restrict full documentation while providing enough application notes for implementation through their partner networks.

You can continue chatting with the AI Assistant here:
https://fedevel.com/hw-assistant

Robert Feranec , 08-31-2026, 10:17 AM

if it is only for your personal project, i am not sure if you will be able to negotiate the price .. many companies will not even talk to you. But maybe I am too skeptical. Btw, the best is to use components of well know chip manufacturers with good documentation e.g. TI, etc. otherwise you may run into many problems